Beach town managers discuss problems, find solutions

Town managers of beach communities met in North Topsail Beach to discuss issues

NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH, NC (WECT) - From Ocean Isle to North Topsail Beach, the issues are similar.

"Beach nourishment, inlet dredging, and authority of municipalities on the beach," listed Topsail Beach Town Manager, Tim Holloman. For the first time Friday, town managers of beach communities met in North Topsail Beach to discuss their issues and work on finding solutions.

"It gives us a chance to see what other people are working on," said Holloman. "Gets us thinking out of the box on finding answers to our problems."

"You approach some of those issues and the resolution to the issues differently," said Robert Simpson, the town manager of Wrightsville Beach.

One of the big issues discussed was beach nourishment projects and how to pay for them. "The town itself will not be able to maintain beach nourishment and inlet dredging over a long period of time due to the cost," explained Holloman of Topsail Beach.

"It boils down to funding," said Simpson. "How are we going to pay for it." Others at the meeting said they wanted to change the permit process, explaining that it is costly and takes too long.

"[Earlier at the meeting they were] coming up with some sort of an engineering criteria where if you meet it, you will not have to go through such an extensive process," explained Holloman. A town's ability to enforce laws on the beach is another issue bubbling to the surface right now.

"Enforcement of dogs on the beach, alcohol on the beach, are all issues and we really need some clarity," said Tim Owens.

"At some point - I think it was the consensus of everyone here that we need to get some clarity on that," said Simpson.

The group decided that they do want to work towards meeting with lawmakers, so they can explain their concerns and work on finding solutions. The group does plan to meet again, and set a tentative meeting date for early November.